M.I.A. – Matangi (2013)

It’s a damn shame that this album was pushed back as far as it was. After a ridiculously long wait, M.I.A.’s fourth LP lives up to its expectations. Politically charged and full of social commentary, M.I.A’s unique and progressive album pushes boundaries like she always does. Even the title of the Album, Matangi, is a reference to a Hindu goddess of words and music who also embodies societal outcasts, which M.I.A. tries to encapsulate into her lyrics. Stand out tracks include Exodus & Sexodus, which feature The Weeknd and create a perfect balance between the two artists. Track 4, Warriors, stands defiant and confident with its blend of Eastern influence and frantic drums. Track 8, Bad Girls, also deserves a mention–despite already being out for over a year, the track is one of my personal favorites.